THE GOOD:
5 out of last 7 games at home
BC Place has become something of a fortress since they moved from Empire Field. With how competitive the West will be this year, the Whitecaps can't afford to drop any points at home.
The past three years have come down to the final weeks of the season for a playoff position push. This year should be no different.
With games versus Houston, Dallas x2, San Jose, Seattle and NYCFC it will be a great chance to cement their playoff place.
THE AVERAGE:
A September 26th visit from New York City FC or Man City B
Who will be in their line up? Will Frank Lampard and David Villa play on the turf?
I am curious what $100,000,000 and the backing by Man City does for the MLS. All season long they will be compared to Orlando SC, just like the Whitecaps and Portland Timbers were in 2011.
Can money buy MLS championships? We shall soon find out.
THE BAD:
Women's World Cup Break
Yes, having a women's World Cup in Vancouver is great for Canadian women's soccer. Yes, they will be supported by supporters here in Vancouver. We're still holding out hopes that we could get a new turf that will benefit the Whitecaps moving forward.
BUT.... from May 31st to July 11th, the Whitecaps will not play a home game. It will be 5 games on the road with thankfully a bye week break inbetween. This is my make or break time for this team. If they collapse, like they do most mid seasons they could be playing catch up the rest of the year to make the top six and grab a playoff spot.
If the 'Caps can grab seven or eight of the possible points on offer during those five games it should give them a fighting chance in the tough Western Conference this upcoming season.